The Galaxy Radeon GTX 680 GC version graphics card features fully redesigned PCB, factory overclocked GeForce GTX 680 at 1110MHz for extra performance, and a high-efficiency dual fan cooling solution.
Based on the much anticipated new architecture Kepler (the successor to the Fermi architecture), the NVIDIA GTX 680 is not only the world’s fastest GPU but also the most power efficient one. The streaming multiprocessor is redesigned for optimal performance per watt. GPU Boost technology is also employed to dynamically increase clock speed to improve performance within the card's power budget.
With GTX 680, gaming is smoother. FXAA and the new TXAA eliminate jaggies. Games get super smooth edges without tanking the performance. Adaptive V-Sync improves upon a feature that many gamers swear by. So you can play with V-sync enabled and not worry about sudden dips in framerate. Finally, a single GPU now powers a full NVIDIA Surround setup plus an accessory display. There is simply no better way to play a racing game or flight simulator. Add in NVIDIA PhysX technology, and the GTX 680 delivers an amazingly rich gaming experience. For upgraded gaming experience, SLI technology lets you link up to three GeForce GTX 680s together.
High efficient dual-fan coolingThe Galaxy GTX 680 GC’s custom dual fan cooler is built with specially designed fan blades that significantly reduce noise even at high speeds for a quieter card and more enjoyable gaming experience. These fans are encased in a sleek aluminum shroud with LED effects for a cool, high-tech aesthetic. The cooler is also equipped with quad nickel-plated heat pipes for more efficient cooling under high loads. Overclocking enthusiasts will find the improved cooling of the Galaxy GTX 680 GC to be indispensable for pushing their clocks to the absolute maximum for the best possible performance.
Kepler GPU ArchitectureNVIDIA's Kepler GPU architecture has been designed from the ground up not just for maximum performance in the latest DirectX 11 games, but optimal performance per watt. The new SMX streaming multiprocessor is twice as efficient as the prior generation and the new geometry engine draws triangles twice as fast. The result is world class performance and the highest image quality in an elegant and power efficient graphics card.
NVIDIA GPU BoostUp until now, GPUs have operated at a fixed clock speed when playing 3D games, even if they have the potential to run faster. GPU Boost intelligently monitors graphics work load and increases the clock speed whenever possible. The result is that the GPU always performs at its peak and you get the highest framerate possible.
NVIDIA Adaptive Vertical SyncNothing is more distracting than framerate stuttering and screen tearing. The first tends to occur when framerates are low, the second when framerates are high. Adaptive V-Sync is a smarter way to render frames. At high framerates, V-sync is enabled to eliminate tearing, at low frame rates, it's disabled to minimize stuttering. It gets rid of distractions so you can get on with gaming.
NVIDIA Surround with Up To Four MonitorsNothing is as breathtaking as playing your favorite games across three monitors. At 5760 x 1080, the expanded field of view fully engages human peripheral vision and provides for the most immersive experience in racing and flight simulators. Add in a fourth display to keep tabs on chat, email or web while you are gaming.
Two New Anti-aliasing Modes: FXAA and TXAAAnti-aliasing smoothes out jagged edges but can be demanding on framerates. FXAA is a new antialiasing technology that produces beautiful smooth lines with minimal performance impact. And with Kepler based GPUs, you'll be able to enable FXAA in hundreds of game titles through the NVIDIA Control Panel. The second mode, TXAA, is an in-game option that combines MSAA, temporal filtering, and post processing for even higher visual fidelity.
Pros: I made this purchase back in Christmas of 2012 and it's still going strong. I consistently max out nearly everything with power to spare. I only game in 1080p so the 2GBs of VRAM are perfectly adequate. Some nice features: -Factory overclocked. Already clocked to high heaven but according to reviews from other places you can get her up to 1200MHz. I stopped at 1125 on stock voltage. -Quiet! Even at 100% it's much quieter than my old 6870 reference model and left on auto it's rarely ever audible. -Shiny. The GTX 680 logo slowly pulsates in blue but it's not overpowering enough to clash with any build color scheme. -6+8 pin connectors. This is an advantage over 6+6 reference models in that it will allow for better overclocking. -Runs cool: 30c at idle, 60c average underload, 70 maxed out -Rebate: The rebate takes a LONG time to be processed but you will get it. Mine was nearly two months.
Cons: Some of these seem more like nitpicks than anything but are still relevant enough to list. -Blue PCB. Clashes with my system. Meh -Open card; Internal wiring is visible -You have to register with within 30 days or you lose your extended warranty from Galaxy. I did not know this and I am now paranoid that it will fail on me and I won't be able to get it replaced. Register immediately. - FRAGILE. This is what I took an egg off for. Gently gripping the front top of the card to push it into the PCI slot was enough to make me think it was going to break. Every inch of this card is made of thin plastic and gives under weight. This is the most flimsy computer part I have every bought. Be especially careful with it.
Overall Review: These non-reference Galaxy cards seem to go on sale more often and for a lot less than other brands. During the Chistmas season it was only $410 after MIR so if you're waiting for a sale this is the one to watch. I cannot recommend this card for a LAN rig that is always on the go; it is much too fragile to take any sort of abuse. I don't care to imagine what would happen were you to drop it, even inside a case. All in all though I'm quite satisfied with my purchase and knowing what I know now I would still have bought it. Happy gaming and thanks for reading.